On Friday, 28.03.2025, the Annual General Meeting of YAQU PACHA took place, to which both members of YAQU PACHA and representatives of our partner organizations were invited to report on important conservation initiatives in Latin America that are supported - and in some cases coordinated - by YAQU PACHA.
The first speaker, Dr. Thais Carneiro Rodrigues, reported on the rescue and rehabilitation of Francisca, a franciscana dolphin calf(Pontoporia blainvillei) currently being cared for at r3 in Brazil. Dr. Magdalena Arias then gave insights into the efforts to protect Lahille's bottlenose dolphins(Tursiops gephyreus) in Argentina. Dr. Enrique Sanjurjo of Pesca ABC concluded the presentations with a compelling overview of their work to introduce alternative fishing methods to protect the last remaining vaquitas(Phocoena sinus).
Dr. Lorenzo von Fersen then gave a comprehensive overview of YAQU PACHA's current projects throughout Latin America and presented some of our initiatives in Europe in the past year 2024.
In accordance with our Articles of Association, the Board of Directors was elected. Three members were confirmed in their positions and we are delighted to welcome a familiar face as our new secretary:
Stefan Wiessmeyer, a long-time friend of the organization who previously served as 2nd Chairman for many years.
The new board was unanimously elected as follows:
- Dr. Lorenzo von Fersen - 1st Chairman
- Sandra Honigs - 2nd Chairwoman
- Martina Hofer - Treasurer
- Stefan Wiessmeyer - Secretary
We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to Henning Plückebaum, who has stepped down as Secretary after an incredible 11 years. His dedication, reliability and deep commitment to the mission of YAQU PACHA have left a lasting mark on our organization. Henning has been a steady hand and a trusted voice on the Board and we are very grateful for all that he has done over the past ten years.
We are proud that 95% of all donations and financial contributions flow directly into our species conservation projects, as all YAQU PACHA employees give their time on a voluntary basis.
Our work is only possible thanks to your support. We invite you to become a member of YAQU PACHA and keep up to date with our projects and the current status of our work.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the following for their great support of our projects: Nuremberg Zoo, Duisburg Zoo, Aquazoo Düsseldorf, Zoomarine Portugal, Rancho Texas, Heidelberg Zoo, Planète Sauvage, EAAM and all other sponsors and supporters of our organization.